“Robot & Frank” may offer the most unique look at growing old that you’ll find. It touches on several of the age-related elements we’ve seen addressed in other movies, but the key difference here is that it’s looked at through a semi-futuristic lens. This comedy/drama from director Jake Schreier is a smart and well made picture that may not instantly call you back for a second viewing, but it will touch your heart and make you laugh. And on those two merits alone, it’s easy to call “Robot & Frank” a success.
But there is more to the movie than just that. In fact what originally drew me to the picture was that it offered a starring vehicle for Frank Langella. I’ve always been a big fan of his and consider him one of the more underrated actors. At age 75 he’s no longer Hollywood’s prime target age for lead roles (unfortunately) so it was a nice surprise to see him here. He’s joined by Susan Sarandon, James Marsden, Liv Tyler, and Peter Sarsgaard who supplies some really fun voice work.
In the not too distant future, Langella plays an elderly man reasonably named Frank who lives by himself in upstate New York. Frank is starting to see his health deteriorate particularly through early signs of dementia. His son Hunter (Marsden) lives five hours away and he’s grown tired of the weekly trips to see his father. Frank’s daughter Madison (Tyler) is an ‘out there’ activist who occasionally checks on her father via video phone. Their entire family dynamic is fractured due to some past baggage and Frank’s health issues force them all to deal with it. But it takes a little prodding before anyone is willing to do that.
Hunter’s solution for caring for his father is to provide him with a robot caregiver who will cook, clean, and watch over him. Frank hates the idea and does everything he can to discourage the robot. But he begins to grow fond of it after this man and machine make an interesting connection. Frank begins sharing memories of his past jobs to his robot. Now Frank’s job was no ordinary job. He wasn’t a carpenter, a truck driver, or a lawyer. Frank was a thief and actually spent time in prison for it. Before long he begins to see some new possibilities with his robot friend, possibilities that may not be the wisest.
You may think you know where this movie is going but the path it takes is an unconventional one. That’s what sets it apart from so many other movies that deal with these subjects. Langella is fantastic and he gives us an endearing and genuinely sympathetic character. He grumbles and growls in some scenes while in others he masterfully portrays a man in mental decline. It’s a beautiful performance and he’s the force that really drives this picture. Sarandon appears as a local librarian. She’s very good and I have to say some of my favorite scenes are when she and Langella are sharing the screen together.
“Robot & Frank” is a small movie built around a tight script and Frank Langella’s strong work. It’s humor is often subtle but always effective and the emotionally meaty undercurrent really worked for me. Now, as I mentioned, I wouldn’t say this is a film that I want to rush out and see again. It’s just not that kind of movie for me. But I won’t deny the film of the praise it deserves. It accomplishes a lot by taking a few weighty subjects and taking them on in new creative ways. That’s something I really appreciate and responded to.
VERDICT – 4 STARS
Keith & the Movies 
This movie continuously caught my curiosity, may need to check it out after reading this awesome review! Great work :).
I appreciate the kind words. This is a very simple but well done picture. You should definitely give it a look.
Such a great review of this movie Keith. Reminded me of why I loved it so much, but I’d agree — I haven’t dashed out to buy it or even see it twice. But for the viewing it was certainly an enjoyable and surprisingly emotional journey. Sarsgaard voicing the robot was really interesting!
Thanks! It’s a very nice movie that really hits every note it aims for. Very well acted and a good look at growing old. Lots of truth behind it.
I really enjoyed this film and felt for Frank so much – it still pangs when I remember him catching a glimpse of a Robot in the home at the end of the film. My only qualm is Liv Tyler, she is mighty irritating.
It was a nice little movie wasn’t it. For such an unusual concept it deals with aging and loneliness very well. Thanks for the comment.
Yay, I’m glad you like this one too, Keith! I saw this a while ago and was quite fond of it. My hubby and I actually went to the theater to see this and we both enjoyed this. I like Langella as the protagonist and of course the robot! I agree that the issue of aging is dealt with nicely and with a sense of humor!
It’s funny, I wrote this review back in late April but I’m just now posting it. I wrote that I didn’t think it would have me rushing back to see it even though I liked it. Yet now it’s several months since I wrote the review and I’d like to see it again. 🙂
Excellent movie, very heartfelt and full of interesting themes. Glad you enjoyed it too.
I did. A lot of heart and a lot of truth in the film. And I just love Langella.
Nice review Keith. Forgot about this flick for awhile. Not because it was bad or anything, it’s just that it wasn’t anything special, but yet, I remember being touched by it when I first saw it.
I think it’s quite good. As I mentioned it may not be one that sticks with you for a long time, but it does a lot of things right.
I loved the film; Frank Langella is wonderful. Everything worked for me.
Langella is so good isn’t he? A very talented and often underused actor.
I’ve had this on the pile of films to watch, but I never quite got around to it. Looks like I’ll have to now!
It’s definitely worth a watch. Good story with loads of heart.
Good review, good film. Weird end but the rest is great 😀
Appreciate it. It is very good.
Loved this flick! Good write up, Keith.
Thanks my friend. I appreciate you checking it out. Definitely a nice little movie.
Excellent write-up bro. I couldn’t agree more. Such a wonderful treat, this film.
Thanks bro. Enjoyed it quite a bit. I actually wrote this review a while back. I think it was your review of it that really got me to sit down and watch it. Glad I did.
Great review, Keith. I *loved* this film, which was a really nice surprise since I wasn’t expecting much from it. Langella is so good in this.
Langela is great here. He’s such a good actor in anything he’s in.
Also really liked this movie. Felt like a realistic version of a possible future and the movie had lots of charm. Nice review.
Thanks man. This was such a cool surprise for me.
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Great review Keith (I reviewed this myself a while ago), it’s a charming little gem of a film with some great performances and subtle humour that hits the right note at the right moments.
Thanks Chris. It’s really funny you commented on this particular review. I just mentioned to my wife that we need to rewatch it.